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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial to grasp the deeper meanings and nuances of the original scriptures. The Greek verb κρεμάννυμι (kremannymi) is particularly significant in the New Testament for its vivid imagery of “hanging” or “suspending.” The first occurrence of κρεμάννυμι is found in Matthew 18:6, where Jesus uses it metaphorically to describe the fate of those who cause others to stumble. This term offers important insights into the cultural and metaphorical language of the New Testament, as well as its ethical and theological implications.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κρεμάννυμι (kremannymi) [kre-MAN-noo-mee]

Etymology: The word κρεμάννυμι is derived from a root that means “to hang” or “to suspend.” It is used to describe the physical act of hanging an object or a person, and in some contexts, it carries metaphorical connotations of placing something in a precarious or significant position.

Part of Speech: Verb. κρεμάννυμι is a verb that appears in various tenses, voices, and moods, reflecting different actions of hanging or suspending in literal or figurative contexts.

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Defining Meanings

To Hang or Suspend: The primary meaning of κρεμάννυμι is “to hang” or “to suspend” something in the air. This could refer to hanging a person, an object, or a piece of equipment.

To Place in a Precarious Position: κρεμάννυμι can also mean to place or position something in a way that is unstable or dangerous, highlighting the precariousness or vulnerability of the object or person.

To Be Entrusted or Dependent: In a more figurative sense, κρεμάννυμι can be used to express reliance or dependence, akin to “hanging” one’s hopes or trust on something or someone.

Exploring Similar Words

κρεμάω (kremaō) [kre-MAH-oh]: This word is a variant form of κρεμάννυμι and also means “to hang.” It is often used more generally for suspending objects or people but lacks some of the metaphorical nuance of κρεμάννυμι.

ἀνασκολοπίζω (anaskolopizō) [ah-nah-sko-lo-PEE-zoh]: Meaning “to impale” or “to fix on a pole,” this word differs significantly in that it emphasizes the brutal aspect of hanging or execution, unlike κρεμάννυμι, which is more neutral and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

συστέλλω (systellō) [soo-STEL-loh]: While this word means “to hang up” or “to furl,” it often refers to hanging or wrapping up sails or garments rather than the more general “hanging” of κρεμάννυμι.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: κρεμάννυμι is a verb that appears in various tenses, voices, and moods. For example, it can be found in the present, aorist, and perfect tenses, both in active and passive voices. The mood can range from indicative (stating a fact) to imperative (giving a command) to subjunctive (expressing potentiality).

Person and Number: The word is conjugated in different persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and numbers (singular, plural), adapting to the subject performing or receiving the action. For instance, in the present indicative active, it would be conjugated as follows:

Aspect: The aspect of κρεμάννυμι can be imperfective, perfective, or stative, affecting the word’s meaning in terms of whether the action is ongoing, completed, or a state of being.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word κρεμάννυμι is defined across Greek lexicons as a verb primarily meaning “to hang” or “to suspend.” In the New Testament, it often carries strong metaphorical weight, as in Matthew 18:6, where Jesus warns that causing a little one to stumble would be so grievous that it would be better for a millstone to be “hung” around one’s neck. This reflects the term’s capacity to evoke strong imagery of judgment or severe consequences. In classical Greek literature, κρεμάννυμι is used to describe both literal hanging (of objects or criminals) and metaphorical dependency or precariousness, revealing its wide-ranging applications. This word also carries theological implications when used in the context of divine judgment or moral teachings, highlighting the gravity of sin or disobedience.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 18:6: “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged (κρεμάσθη) about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Acts 5:30: “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged (κρεμάσαντες) on a tree.”

Luke 23:39: “And one of the malefactors which were hanged (κρεμάμενοι) railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κρεμάννυμι (kremannymi) is a versatile verb used to describe the act of “hanging” or “suspending.” Its use in the New Testament often carries significant metaphorical weight, illustrating dire consequences or judgment, as seen in Matthew 18:6. Classical Greek literature and the Septuagint also employ κρεμάννυμι in various contexts, from literal descriptions of hanging objects or people to more abstract references to precariousness or dependence. Understanding this term enhances our comprehension of the vivid imagery and moral teachings in both biblical and classical Greek texts.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The word κρεμάννυμι is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the Bible, emphasizing the seriousness of causing others to stumble or sin.

Did you know? In ancient Greece, the act of hanging was not only a form of execution but also served as a public display of dishonor, making κρεμάννυμι a powerful word in both legal and ethical discussions.

Did you know? The usage of κρεμάννυμι in the Septuagint often parallels its use in the New Testament, providing continuity in themes of judgment, punishment, and divine justice.